Glenn Gould Plays Renaissance & Baroque Music

"In my idea at least, the ideal preparation for the contrapuntal pursuits to be found in Bach's music is offered by the music of the English Tudor composers, particularly William Byrd." So wrote Glenn Gould to a correspondent in 1971. He also stated on several occasions that Orlando Gibbons was his favorite composer, regretting the fact that Gibbons' compositions were mostly vocal in nature. With some of Gould's favorite repertoire, this disc includes William Byrd's First Pavan and Galliard; Hughe Ashton's Ground, Sixth Pavan and Galliard, and a Voluntary (Sellinger's Round); Orlando Gibbons' Fantasy in C Major (Allemande) and "Lord of Salisbury" Pavan and Galliard; Handel's Four Suites for Harpsichord of 1720; three sonatas by Domenico Scarlatti; and C.P.E. Bach's "Wurttemberg Sonata" No. 1 in A Minor.

The playing of Canadian virtuoso Glenn Gould provokes myriad reactions, from disquiet to awe. Seldom is there indifference. He is celebrated for his revelatory Bach interpretations, yet he cherished the music of the Renaissance, was stupendous in recordings of Beethoven concertos, and championed music of the 20th century. These well-annotated new editions combine his recorded legacy in exciting ways and add to the luster of a reputation that continues to shine, many years after his death.